Top Ten Tips for a Successful Back to School Night

Many teachers dread Back to School Night. While speaking to a group of students may be easy for teachers, speaking to a group of adults can be difficult and intimidating. I made it through 22 Back to School Nights and using trial and error, came up with a system that worked for me. As the new school year approaches, I'd like to share my top ten tips for a successful Back to School Night.

1. Write an Agenda on the Board

I know this may seem obvious, but it helps to have a plan. I am always surprised at the number of teachers who think it is all right to "wing it" when it comes to Back to School Night presentations. This is one time when you do not want to improvise. It is important to have a plan outlining what you want to say, and it helps to write an agenda on the board. Having a solid plan will help reduce your stress level because, let's face it, you will be nervous! Writing an agenda on the board will keep you on track during your presentation, and will help you to remain calm and composed in front of the group.

2. Get Dressed Up

This may seem like an old-fashioned idea, but the right outfit can build confidence and boost self-esteem. On a night when you will be interacting with many different people, including parents and administrators, business casual attire is appropriate. Image is a key part of a successful presentation. If you want to look professional, it is important that you dress the part.

3. Have Students Write a Welcome Letter

Take a picture of each of your pupils during the first week of school. In the days leading up to Back to School Night, glue each picture to the top half of a blank piece of paper, and draw lines on the lower half of each paper. Then have learners write a simple letter to their parents, and place the letters on their desks. When parents come in, they will be able to identify their child's seat by finding their picture. Parents can take home the letters that night. Trust me - parents LOVE this!

4. Have Everyone Thoroughly Clean Their Desks

There is nothing more embarrassing than having a parent enter the classroom and start cleaning out their child's desk. After having this experience a few times, I now remember to make sure that my scholars clean out their desks before Back-to-School Night. 

5. Don't Do All the Talking

A great way to begin the evening is to ask parents to introduce themselves. They can share how long their child has been at the school, talk about a positive experience their child has had at school, and let everyone know one of the things that their family likes to do. This is a wonderful way to get the evening off to a good start. By the time everyone has had a turn, you will all feel more relaxed, and the atmosphere in the room will be positive.

6. Now It's Time for Your Introduction

After everyone has introduced themselves, then it's your turn. Parents want an idea of what kind of person their child will be spending the next nine months with. Some of the information that I have shared with parents in the past included where I grew up, my hobbies, what I did before I became a teacher, places I have visited, what my teaching experience has been, and something about my family. You can tell a funny story about yourself as well. It will help you relax, and it will be the foundation for the year's relationship.

7. Don't Forget to Smile!

This may seem like another obvious suggestion, but I can't stress this one enough. Making a conscious effort to smile, and not be too serious during your presentation, will help you come across as a teacher who loves what you are doing - which you do! You don't want to seem like a dreary taskmaster. If you smile, your audience will smile back at you - which will help you relax.

8. Keep Your Presentation Short and Sweet

During the back-to-school presentation, parents are looking for two types of information: what their child is expected to learn that year, and how this is going to be accomplished. I recommend writing a basic outline of the curriculum that will be covered this school year on one side of the whiteboard, and your daily schedule on the other. Write these down before parents enter the classroom. This makes it easy for you to remember what you would like to say about each item. Also, don't feel like you have to talk about every little thing the class will be doing during the year. If you take that approach, you might be there all night.

9. DON'T Ask Whether Anyone Has Questions

I put the word "don't" in capital letters because I had some bad experiences before I stopped asking this question. There is almost always one parent who either wants to see you squirm, or wants to show off. He/she will ask something like, "Can you tell us exactly what techniques you will utilize in order to effectively teach math standard 4.17?" Of course, you will have no idea which math standard that is, and you will look foolish as you muddle through your answer. There is no law that states, "Every teacher must open the floor for questions at the end of the presentation." Don't forget, this is your presentation. You are in charge. Take my advice, and close your presentation by saying, "That's all I have for you tonight. Thank you so much for coming." Sincere question-askers will seek you out at the front of the room. 

10. Have a Blank Piece of Paper and a Pencil inside Your Students' Desks

As soon as you finish thanking parents for coming, you should give them their next task. Ask them to look inside their child's desk, and take out the blank piece of paper and pencil. Ask them to write a note to their child. This is a task parents will love. Parents will like that you are making an effort to do something to make their child feel good, and students will love getting the note from their parents. I always loved to see the looks on my students' faces when they came into school the next morning and found a hand-written note of encouragement and love from their mom or dad. Many students left these letters in their desk the entire year! Don't forget to take a look at the letters. You will see things like ... "Dear Sam, We are so impressed with your teacher and with your clean desk! We know you're going to have a wonderful year in fourth grade with Mr. Harrison. Work hard, and know that we love you and are very proud of you!  Love, Mom and Dad."

Back-to-School Night doesn't have to be a terrible, stress-filled experience. In fact, once you establish a plan that works for you, I'll bet you find that Back-to-School Night will become one of the highlights of each year.